A GROUP of young people living in the Cabramatta area are making a difference in the local community.

The Make A Difference charity is the work of nine people aged 22 to 25 who have helped the lives of sick children at Fairfield Hospital and the Children's Hospital at Westmead by raising $9000 for each institution.

Thy Ha of Canley Heights is the founder of the group.

"We got inspired after attending a charity event and thought why not inspire the younger generation by doing something similar," she said.

"It was tough but we had the community behind us."

The 24-year-old said her group held a fund-raiser at Crystal Palace Function Centre in Canley Heights on March 21. This is where they raised most of the money.

"We had 600 people turn up and they were treated to great food and live entertainment," Miss Ha said.

"Our target was $10,000 but when we found out we raised $18,000, we were shocked."

She said the funds raised will go towards buying paediatric equipment.

"Fairfield Hospital will purchase a ProPac monitor, which checks the child's heart rate, as well as three thermometers," Miss Ha said.

"It's rewarding to know that we are making a difference."

Ms Ha said her group plans to run another charity event next year.

"This time we'll raise funds for a different organisation in the area, one that helps people with mental illness," she said.